The Platte County Citizen

The Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce announced Synergy Services as the Chamber’s 2017 Charity of Choice, presenting a check for more than $15,000, representative of proceeds collected throughout 2017 fundraising efforts. This check was presented to Corky McCaffrey, community engagement coordinator for Synergy Services, at the Parkville Chamber’s board meeting on April 13.

Chambers typically support local businesses, providing networking opportunities, educational events and community development.

CODY THORN/Citizen photoMembers of the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce recently presented a more than $15,000 check to Synergy Services, which is headquartered in Parkville, as the chamber’s 2017 charity of choice. Fundraisers for charities of choice are held throughout the year.

In 2011, the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new endeavor and went one step further by supporting a local charity and giving back to the community. Major fundraising events are held throughout the year which include an annual gala, golf tournament and 5k/10k River Run in English Landing Park.

Other contributions have included diaper drives, school supplies drive, filling backsnacks for children at Harvesters, working at the Hillcrest Thrift Shop, providing meals at Synergy’s Children Center and many other activities.

“In my opinion, this is one of the most meaningful efforts that we, as a chamber, provide for our community,” said Marsha VanDever, chamber executive director. “To know that we can help make a difference with our fundraising efforts, takes our commitment to the Parkville area one step above other chambers. Charity applications have gone from two requests our first year to over 12 for our 2018 charity, which shows a real need in our community and the Parkville Chamber is proud to be able to serve in this way.”

Synergy Services was selected in December 2016 out of 10 charities that had applied for the Chamber’s Charity of Choice. Their selection was announced at the 2017 Gala and Awards Banquet held at Embassy Suites.

Past charities supported by the Parkville Chamber include Hillcrest Platte County, Feed Northland Kids, Family Promise of the Northland and Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter.

Their 2018 charity is Parkville Women’s Clinic. To have a charity considered, the application for the 2019 charity is on the website at parkvillechamber.com.